Day 242 - A Week Too Far

Monday December 14th

This term is definitely feeling like a week too long. I took BYS advice and went easy on 9.2.2 this morning, relaxing a little. They were a lot better than last lesson. I must use praise more and, in some cases, lower my standards a little. DVS and I struggled through a final box plot lesson with 10.2.2, most of whom look dead on their feet.

I've started to help some of my tutor group find work for their summer work experience. I got lucky with my first attempt, getting a provisional yes from a marketing agency for one of the girls. I've also tried Hampshire Cricket Club for another lad, and now have a contact to try after Christmas. I enjoy this part of the job - I know I have the experience to guide children in figuring out what kind of thing they might like to try once they leave school.

I have been thinking quite a bit about what I want to do come the summer and the end of my contract. The school has indicated they want to keep me, although there isn't currently an opening in the Maths department. I like the idea of trying a split timetable with Business Studies or trying my hand at Economics at a sixth form college

Day 208 - High Praise Indeed

Tuesday November 10th

The house is quiet again after our visitors have left and one thing I can guarantee as a teacher is the same classes come around week after week. On both the down and up side, I know what to expect! This morning I embarrassed Ellen as I went up to the front and answered a question in Year 10 assembly. She'll get over it.

A brilliant afternoon, when I did a group task with 10.2.2 on prime factors, which they seemed to enjoy and stay focused on, followed by a shiny new 7.2.1 class. This was interesting as it was my second attempt at teaching sequences. I learnt a lot from my first experience and it went very well. In fact, OSM loved something I did so much, he stole it for his class. That felt very good.